Apollo Bay has a strong connection to recreation and access to the ocean, the Great Ocean Road and surrounding Otway National Park.

The Apollo Bay Harbour Precinct’s public uses are focused around the proximity to the water and fishing operations. Fishing, sailing, wildlife tours, whale watching and enjoying fresh seafood are among the key activities.

There’s public access to the lee breakwater from Mother's Beach car park to watch the boats and enjoy the harbour activities.

Point Bunbury has the sailing club, fish cleaning stations small jetties and a toilet. There is public open space, public parking and boat ramp and access point to three separate beach coves.

The Apollo Bay Fishermen’s Co-Op is fronted by an outdoor public space and the whale watching platform, however the public use of this area is compromised by being shared with vehicles and commercial fishing and industrial operations.

Find out more about the planning for Apollo Bay Harbour- 52.30

How Apollo Bay Harbour was assessed

Apollo Bay Harbour (alongside the Point Grey and Kennett River projects) went through a specific planning approval process called Clause 52.30 State Projects.

What this means

• The Department of Transport and Planning assessed the project on behalf of the Minister for Planning

• All projects must still meet strict planning laws, environmental standards and community consultation requirements

• This pathway allows for timely decisions on significant regional projects while maintaining thorough assessment

Staying transparent

We believe transparency is essential. This planning pathway ensures the Apollo Bay Harbour redevelopment met both community values and legal requirements while moving the project forward efficiently.

Want to know more?

For further information about how Clause 52.30 works for Point Grey and other Geelong City Deal projects, download the Clause 52.30 State Projects Planning Pathway Info Sheet

The Victoria’s Resilient Coast (VRC) Framework has guided the planning process for this site, supporting proactive and long-term coastal hazard risk management.

With climate change expected to increase exposure to coastal hazards—including intensified wave action, storm activity, and sea level rise—this framework provides a structured approach for assessing vulnerability and identifying appropriate adaptation responses.

The Fishermen's Co-Op and proposed depot upgrades are located within the harbour, offering protection from the open coast. This area is currently safeguarded by a seawall, although further investigation is required to determine its ongoing maintenance needs to ensure continued protection against erosion.

In contrast, the existing Mother's Beach car park area is more exposed and at greater risk of erosion, particularly when considering projected sea level rise.

The VRC Framework, combined with community values and objectives, has been central to evaluating adaptation options and shaping feasible pathways.

Adaptation measures have been carefully assessed to minimise unintended impacts on surrounding environments. This process has directly informed the strategic siting of infrastructure within the precinct, enabling us to maintain the area’s core values and functions into the future.

By applying this approach, we aim to support long-term resilience and sustainable use of the site—now and beyond 2100.

If you are interested in finding out more about coastal hazard risk management and adaptation, visit the Victoria’s Resilient Coast – Adapting for 2100+ webpage.

Download a copy of FAQ Engagement 1 and FAQ Engagement 2 here!

Prepared by Antarctica Architects, the Apollo Bay Harbour draft Precinct Plan and accompanying Opportunities and Constraints Report detailed the issues affecting the harbour and proposed improvements aimed at improving public access, safety, and the long-term functionality of this important working harbour.

The release followed independent reviews of the 2020 Apollo Bay Harbour Development Plan, which recommended design changes to better align with current planning, operational and environmental requirements.

The Apollo Bay Harbour Opportunities and Constraints Report further outlines the key insights gathered from stakeholder consultations, government policies, spatial analysis, and expert technical input.

We have divided the report into sections which you can download below.

Introduction and Purpose

Opportunities and Constraints

For a quick view: download a copy of the infographic here.

The Apollo Bay Harbour Redevelopment Project has evolved significantly since its inception as part of the 2020 Apollo Bay, Skenes Creek and Marengo Community Infrastructure Plan.

Initially led by Colac Otway Shire Council (COS), early planning involved extensive community and stakeholder engagement through drop-in sessions, reference groups, online consultations, and targeted discussions. This resulted in the development of the Apollo Bay Harbour Development Plan (2020), which provided a strategic framework to guide future harbour improvements.

Following the announcement of Geelong City Deal funding in 2020, COS progressed early concept designs and consulted the community on proposals including upgraded car parking, improved pedestrian connections, a new waterfront promenade, an expanded Fishermen’s Cooperative building, and a new Port Operations Depot. Broad community support was received for enhancing public access, improving harbour usability, and retaining the important role of the working harbour.

In early 2022, Geelong City Deal projects, including Apollo Bay Harbour Redevelopment Project, encountered delivery challenges. In response, the Geelong City Deal Implementation Committee undertook a collaborative review, recommending that the Great Ocean Road Coast and Parks Authority (GORCAPA) assume delivery responsibility for the project. This transfer was finalised in mid-2023.

GORCAPA has since progressed the project by refining the scope, completing independent reviews of the 2020 Development Plan, appointing Antarctica Architects as lead consultants, and establishing a Community Reference Group to ensure community voices are heard throughout the planning process.

Following the completion of an Opportunities and Constraints Report, A draft Precinct Plan, was available for community feedback.

Feedback gathered during this process informed the finalisation of the Precinct Plan which reflects both the harbour’s important working role and community aspirations for a vibrant, accessible precinct.

We then invited the community to explore the final precinct plan alongside the draft building and site designs!

Approvals and tender processes are in motion with plans to start construction in early 2026.